5 THINGS I CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT

Fashion designer DAVID EMANUEL, 64, lives in Windsor, Berkshire. He has two grown-up children

1 SINGING

I was the head chorister at school and I have always had a passion for singing. In fact I did at one time consider making a career out of it but my acceptance letter from art school came through before the one from music college and that was that.

Of course I have never regretted opting for design but singing is still a big part of my life and for the past few years I have been performing in charity concerts, which I absolutely love.

I honestly can’t imagine a life without music and no matter where I am or what I’m doing, I am always listening to something. My favourite artists are Maria Callas, the Pet Shop Boys and Lady Gaga.

2 MY HOUSE

I live at the end of a tiny little lane and I love being tucked away. Every wall in my house is painted magnolia and there is no colour anywhere at all. At first visitors find it a little unusual but then everyone tells me that my home has a wonderfully relaxing and restorative vibe, which is exactly the effect I was aiming for.

I really enjoy having small groups of friends over for a relaxed lunch or dinner at home. I don’t like anything too big or formal as it then becomes more about stress than enjoyment.

3 DOVES

I have a flock of 24 of these beautiful birds and people are always rather startled when they visit. They tend to assume that keeping such unusual pets must involve an awful lot of work. However the truth is they are incredibly low maintenance as they eat seeds and live in a dovecote at the back of the house.

They are very entertaining birds. I can spend hours watching them and I find their cooing incredibly soothing.

4 MY CHILDREN

I have a really good relationship with my son and daughter.

The two of them often come down for the weekend and we always have a great time together.

My son Oliver, 39, works in the City and he’s very calm and steady and has an incredibly dry sense of humour.

Eloise, 37, is a criminal barrister but she is also very artistic.

At the moment she is doing up her house so she’s always texting me photos of different bathroom tiles.

I would love to be a grandfather one day but I’ve told the kids I’m only signing up for the fun bits such as taking them out to the theatre or for lunch.

5 MYKONOS

I have been a regular visitor to the beautiful Greek island of Mykonos for the past few years and I love the place. Within minutes of arriving there I always feel so calm.

Mykonos has the most beautiful beaches, really fantastic food and of course the climate is pretty much perfect too.

I now try to visit at least twice a year as I find it so relaxing but make sure I never go in peak season as I’m not keen on crowds.

Because I work so hard I never feel guilty about being completely lazy on holiday.

I stay in a really lovely hotel and the most difficult decision I have to face each day is whether to relax on a lounger by the pool or go down and lie by the sea.